Humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioural theories are three major psychological frameworks, each with distinct characteristics and concepts.
Humanistic Theory
Core Concepts: Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people. It focuses on individual agency, the need for growth, and resilience (Shahar and Mayes, 2017; Pietikainen, 2019).
Therapeutic Approach: Utilises client-centreed therapy, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence as key therapist qualities (Pietikainen, 2019).
Philosophical Roots: Differentiates from existentialist perspectives by focusing more on personal potential and self-fulfillment (Pietikainen, 2019).
Psychodynamic Theory
Core Concepts: Centres on unconscious processes, childhood experiences, and the dynamic interplay of id, ego, and superego. It explores how unconscious conflicts shape behaviour and personality (Pietikainen, 2019; Westen, 1998; Marmor, 1980).
Therapeutic Approach: Involves techniques like free association and dream analysis to uncover unconscious conflicts. It emphasizes insight and the interpretation of neurotic behaviour (Marmor, 1980).
Applications: Used in understanding group dynamics and community psychology, focusing on nonconscious emotional processes and their impact on interpersonal behaviour (Caputo and Tomai, 2020; McLeod and Kettner-Polley, 2004).
Cognitive-Behavioural Theory
Core Concepts: Focuses on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders (Pietikainen, 2019; Hingley, 1997).
Therapeutic Approach: Includes techniques like cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and systematic desensitization. It is based on a mechanistic model that allows for testable predictions and knowledge accumulation (Pietikainen, 2019; Hoffart and Johnson, 2017).
Applications: Widely used for treating various mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, by altering maladaptive thought patterns (Hingley, 1997; Hoffart and Johnson, 2017).
Conclusion
Humanistic theory emphasises personal growth and self-actualization, psychodynamic theory focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences, and cognitive-behavioural theory targets the interaction of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Each framework offers unique insights and therapeutic approaches, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of human psychology.
References
Shahar, G., & Mayes, L., 2017. Cognitive-Humanistic Psychodynamics: Sidney Blatt’s Theoretical-Philosophical Legacy. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 65, pp. 457 – 472. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003065117709013
Pietikainen, P., 2019. Abnormal Psychology. Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-6918(64)90083-6
Caputo, A., & Tomai, M., 2020. A systematic review of psychodynamic theories in community psychology: Discovering the unconscious in community work.. Journal of community psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22407
Westen, D., 1998. The scientific legacy of Sigmund Freud: Toward a psychodynamically informed psychological science.. Psychological Bulletin, 124, pp. 333-371. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.124.3.333
Marmor, J., 1980. Individual Psychotherapy and the Science of Psychodynamics. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 56, pp. 379 – 379. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.56.655.379
McLeod, P., & Kettner-Polley, R., 2004. Contributions of Psychodynamic Theories to Understanding Small Groups. Small Group Research, 35, pp. 333 – 361. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496404264973
Hingley, S., 1997. Psychodynamic perspectives on psychosis and psychotherapy. I: Theory.. The British journal of medical psychology, 70 ( Pt 4), pp. 301-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.2044-8341.1997.TB01908.X
Hoffart, A., & Johnson, S., 2017. Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies Are More Different Than You Think: Conceptualizations of Mental Problems and Consequences for Studying Mechanisms of Change. Clinical Psychological Science, 5, pp. 1070 – 1086. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702617727096
